Sport and exercise scientist
Use your scientific knowledge of the human body to help people improve their sporting performance and health.
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£442
Entry level
£962
Experienced
Monthly
£1,917
Entry level
£4,167
Experienced
Yearly
£23,000
Entry level
£50,000
Experienced
10,600
people are currently employed
High growth
600 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would look at the human body, its shape, how it works and moves, and how people think about physical activity. You would work with athletes and sports people and help them to become better at what they do.
You might also work with the public to help them to improve their health through exercise, or recover from injury or illness through physical activity.
You could:
Work with staff such as sports coaches and sports therapists to assess sports people and help to improve their performance
Work with doctors to help people improve their health through physical activity
Work with hospitals and Clinical Commissioning Groups in areas such as cardiac rehabilitation and health promotion
Take part in research projects
Give advice on the design of sports equipment
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- analysing
- developing a plan
- filtering
- researching
- observation
- problem solving
- written communication
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Chemistry
Human Biology
PE (Physical education)
Physics
Skills for Work: Sport and Recreation
Entry is very competitive. You would need a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in sport and exercise science, or in biology/physical education with a postgraduate sports sciences qualification (SCQF level 11).
Entry to a sports science degree (SCQF level 9/10) generally requires four National 5 qualifications and at least four Highers or a relevant HNC/HND qualification (SCQF level 7/8).
Some universities offer an integrated master's (SCQF level 11) combining a degree and master's courses. Entry is the same as for a degree.
You should have a strong interest and some ability in sports, and also an interest in science.
Relevant work experience or voluntary work may improve your chances of getting a place on a course.
Qualifications and experience that show understanding of sports, exercise, diet and science such as Skills for Work Laboratory Science (SCQF level 5) or Sports and Recreation (SCQF level 4/5).
To be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
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